The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

[Pages:12]The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By

Mark Twain

A Novel Study by Joel Michel Reed

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

Table of Contents

Suggestions and Expectations ................................................

3

List of Skills ..........................................................................

4

Synopsis / Author Biography ..................................................

5

Student Checklist .................................................................

6

Reproducible Student Booklet ..................................................

7

Answer Key ......................................................................... 66

About the author: Joel Reed has over 50 published novel studies and is the coauthor of three novels. For more information on his work and literature, please visit the websites and .

Copyright ? 2018 Joel Reed All rights reserved by author. Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.

Not for public display.

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

Suggestions and Expectations

This curriculum unit can be used in a variety of ways. Each section of the novel study focuses on three chapters of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and is comprised of five of the following different activities:

1. Before You Read 2. Vocabulary Building 3. Comprehension Questions 4. Language Activities 5. Extension Activities

Links with the Common Core Standards (U.S.) Many of the activities included in this curriculum unit are supported by the Common Core Standards. For instance the Reading Standards for Literature, Grade 5, makes reference to a) determining the meaning of words and phrases. . . including figurative language; b) explaining how a series of chapters fits together to provide the overall structure; c) compare and contrast two characters; d) determine how characters ... respond to challenges; e) drawing inferences from the text; f) determining a theme of a story . . . and many others.

A principal expectation of the unit is that students will develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and oral communication, as well as in reasoning and critical thinking. It is important, too, that students be encouraged to relate their own feelings/experiences in certain contexts, and describe their own interpretations of particular passages.

? Students can work on the activities at their own pace. ? Every activity need not be completed by all students. ? A portfolio cover is included (page 7) as well as a Checklist (page 6) to keep a

record of completed work.

Themes which may be taught in conjunction with the novel include boyhood adventures with unusual characters facing difficult circumstances, mortality, (dysfunctional) families, friendships, jealousy, relationships, and putting right to a wrong.

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

List of Skills

Vocabulary Development

1. Locating descriptive words 2. Identifying synonyms 3. Identifying / creating alliteration 4. Use of capitals and punctuation 5. Identifying syllables 6. Identify foreshadowing. 7. Identify personification

8. Use of singular / plural nouns 9. Listing compound words 10. Identifying parts of speech 11. Identify anagrams 12. Identifying antonyms 13. Identify/create similes

Setting Activities 1. Summarize the details of a setting

Plot Activities

1. Complete a time line of events 2. Identify conflict in the story

3. Identify cliffhangers 4. Complete Five W's Chart

Character Activities

1. Determine character traits 2. Cast a feature film.

3. Relating personal experiences 4. Complete a character comparison

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research 2. Write a newspaper story 3. Participate in a talk show 4. Conduct an interview 5. Identification activities

6. Write about personal feelings 7. Write a book review 8. Complete an Observation Sheet 9. Write a poem 10. Write a letter home.

Art Activities

1. Design a storyboard 2. Create a mural 3. Write a quiz show.

4. Design a cover for the novel 5. Create a comic strip 6. Illustrating chapter events.

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

Synopsis

On The Banks of the Mississippi River, Tom Sawyer and his friend Huckleberry Finn seek out adventure at every turn. Then one fateful night in the graveyard they witness a murder. The boys vow never to reveal the secret, and they run away to be pirates in search of hidden treasure. But soon Tom finds himself in the deepest trouble he's ever had to face. (Courtesy of the publisher ? Puffin Classics)

A complete synopsis and other helpful reviews can be found on the following website: (May contain spoilers)

Author Biography

Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 ? April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Among his novels are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1875) and its sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), the latter often called "The Great American Novel".

Twain was raised in Hannibal, Missouri, which later provided the setting for Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He served an apprenticeship with a printer and then worked as a typesetter. He referred humorously to his lack of success at mining, eventually turning to journalism for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. His wit and satire, in prose and in speech, earned praise from critics and peers.

(Biography courtesy of Wikipedia ? )

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

Student Name:

Assignment

Student Checklist

Grade/Level

Comments

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Name:

By Mark Twain

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain

Chapters 1-3 Before you read the chapter:

Growing up in the early 19th century in North America would certainly have its challenging moments, but no doubt there were many things about such a life that were most enjoyable. With a colleague brainstorm at least three advantages to growing up in early America during the 1840s ? and three disadvantages (as compared to the present day). Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Vocabulary:

Some words can have a very personal meaning based on our own view points and/or individual experiences. Briefly describe how you would define each of the following words.

Adventure: Prejudice: Motivation:

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